Hanuma Vihari has made a strong statement on Vaibhav Suryavanshi after India’s four-wicket defeat to England in the second T20I in Manchester, saying the teenage batter showed enough in his debut innings to prove he belongs at the international level. India slipped to back-to-back setbacks in the series, but Suryavanshi’s brief stay at the crease still became one of the main talking points of the match.

The 15-year-old opener scored 14 off 10 balls on debut and gave an immediate glimpse of his fearless batting style by hitting two sixes, including one each off Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue. Although his innings was short, Vihari felt the youngster’s intent, timing and confidence suggested he is ready for a bigger stage. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former India batter said Suryavanshi should be backed for the remaining three matches of the series, even if that means Sanju Samson has to sit out for now.

“Vaibhav hit a six off Jofra Archer and Tongue as well. Unfortunately, he got out, but this is a good start. He started the same way he does in the IPL. You could see that he belonged to this level and IPL is as good as international cricket too. He should be given the next three games as well. Once you have decided that you want to play him, you have to give a long rope. I hope he plays the next three games. Whether it is fair or unfair on Sanju Samson, that is a different issue,” Hanuma Vihari said.

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At the same time, Hanuma Vihari cautioned that India must create a more secure environment for players if they want long-term success. He pointed out that Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament in the 2026 T20 World Cup, had been dropped after just three poor outings, which he felt reflected the pressure of both form and public opinion.

“Till you don’t create a secure environment, it is difficult for any player. If you are the Player of the Tournament and then lose your spot only after three games, it gets difficult for any player. It is also the pressure of social media. When there is so much pressure to play Vaibhav, the team management also goes for it and by experience, I am telling you. And Sanju became the victim there,” he observed.

Vihari also suggested that India may need to consider a rotation policy rather than forcing too many changes around one player. With Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, both left-handers at the top, and Ishan Kishan also in the mix, he felt Samson’s omission may have been driven by balance rather than performance alone.

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India’s top order in the second T20I featured six left-handers in the top seven, with Shreyas Iyer as the only right-hander at No. 4. Vihari said that gave England a clear tactical advantage, especially with off-spinners Will Jacks and Liam Dawson operating effectively against the left-heavy lineup. England’s bowlers used the conditions smartly, and India will now be under pressure to respond quickly after three consecutive defeats.